Who is Hela Goddess of Death?

Thor: Ragnarok is the latest film from Marvel Studios to dominate the box office. Critics have lauded this entertaining cosmic adventure, noting its strong acting performances, fresh script, and stunning visuals. Thor: Ragnarok also introduces some exciting new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). One such character is Hela, the Asgardian Goddess of Death.

Portrayed by actress Cate Blanchett, Hela is the main antagonist in this latest from the Thor franchise. But just who is Hela Goddess of Death? Whether you have seen the film and want to learn more, or just enjoy the mix of comics and mythology found in the Thor franchise, here is all you need to know about this fierce goddess. Warning – mild spoilers ahead.

Who is Hela Goddess of Death?

Hela’s first appearance can be found in the Marvel Comics’ Journey into Mystery #102. Deemed the Asgardian Goddess of Death, Hela is named after the Norse Goddess of the Dead and the Underworld, Hel. Hela is the ruler of Hel and Niflheim, and is a frequent foe of her younger brother, Thor.

According to the Marvel Comic series, Hela had originally been on good terms with her father, Odin. Together, Hela and Odin worked to try and conquer the Nine Realms, a group of distant planets home to various different races and cultures. Hela served as the leader of the Einherjar, a group of elite warriors. She was also her father’s executioner.

Over time, however, Odin and Hela began to see things differently as they fought the Nine Realms. Odin came to realize that the true way to unite the Nine Realms was through peace and reconciliation. He started to see Hela’s overly ambitious nature a threat. As a result, Odin was forced to battle his daughter, banishing her from Asgard and sending her to prison upon defeating her. His life force acted as a lock, allowing her to only be released upon his death.

Hela is imprisoned for millennia, until Odin finally dies. After his death, she is released, and immediately sets out to seek revenge for her suffering and punishment. She embarks on a series of conflicts with her siblings, Loki and Thor, declaring herself to be their queen.

Powers and Abilities

Like other Asgardians, Hela possess many superhuman attributes. However, being royalty and the eldest child of Odin, her skills and powers are significantly superior to other Asgardians, including Thor. Hela is able to draw power from Asgard itself to increase her own strength. Added to this immense power is a raging, impatient, and volatile personality.

So who is Hela Goddess of Death? Definitely not someone you want to encounter while walking down a dark alleyway, or any other place for that matter.